Projected Marking Frequently Asked Questions – Signum Projector Range

The Signum range of projectors is used widely by us for a good reason – We have researched extensively into the market and found them to be the best projector to offer as part of our Quasar Visual Safety Technology Solutions.

We thought we should share the reasons, along with accompanying FAQs, to help you understand more about this outstanding range of projectors for projected safety markings.

What is a gobo?

Gobo is an acronym for Goes Before Optic. Gobo lighting is the actual image design that is printed onto a glass slide, which is inserted into the projector between the light source and the optic to project that image or pattern onto a surface.

Are the LED light sources replaceable?

Yes, the LED light sources in our Safety Marking Projectors are replaceable by any competent engineer.

What is the life span of the LED light?

The LED light source of our projector range is rated for a life of at least 50,000 hours; this equates to over five years of continuous operation.

Is there a difference between the models of your LED projector range?

This is to accommodate different mounting heights, ambient lux levels and image sizes. There are three different light source powers and four different lens options;  this means we can give you the optimum unit for every application.

Can I have a custom design LED projector?

Yes, we offer custom designed LED projectors. These can be 2-colour, 3-colour, or full-colour designs; we can work from your artwork proofs, sketches or images; or we can provide ideas. Either way, we will create the final artwork in-house, which will be submitted to you for approval before any order is placed; this gives you complete peace of mind.

Do your LED lights have cooling fans?

No, the LED lights are designed to not require cooling.  A fan is a moving part that can potentially cause vibration, which would affect the image quality adversely; it is also a wearing part, which will shorten the life of the unit; lastly, it increases the power consumption.

How effective are the light sources?

The LED sources are selected for their high efficacy, to achieve maximum image brightness from a given power level; this is further enhanced by the high-quality optics which provide a sharp and well-defined image quality. This means that we can use power sources that are less expensive than higher power units and save on running costs, whilst still achieving very bright and clear images

Are there any minimum or maximum heights that the units can be installed at?

Whilst every situation is considered on its own merits, typically the minimum height that they are installed at is around 4 metres, with a typical maximum of 10 metres

Can they be mounted so they project at an angle or do they have to project straight onto the surface?

Either option is possible; if the image is being projected at an angle of less than 90 degrees to the surface, we can adjust the image design to compensate for this; the maximum angle of deviation is up to 40 degrees from the perpendicular. Please also see the note about ‘What variety of design can I consider’’.

How can I give you details of the design I am looking for?

The answer is that’s very simple – you can send this an image, a photo of a sign you wish to copy, or even a sketch or drawing showing us what you’re looking to achieve. Our fabulous artwork team will work with you to create the image that you’re looking for and create proof/s for you to review and amend if necessary, before sign-off.

Is there a charge for the artwork design service?

Yes, we do make a small charge per design – this will be clearly set out in your quotation.

What is the power requirement?

The answer is 230 v, single-phase power is required. Whilst the light source power level will vary according to each location, they are all low-wattage units. This means that the installation is less expensive to install and the power consumption is more economic.

Are there ways of controlling the operation or do they have to be permanently lit?

There are many ways of controlling the projectors, too many to list here. In short, the control method can be designed to control the lights in the best way possible, to make them effective in creating the result you are looking for.

Are they covered by a Warranty?

Yes, all units are covered by a 2-year warranty.

Are the units sealed against any dust or water ingress?

Yes, they are rated to IP65; this means they can be used in areas subjected to dust or dampness and where there are cleaning regimes carried out.

Can the units be used outside?

From a technical perspective – yes, as they are IP65-rated. However, whilst the image will be very visible and effective during low light and night-time, it not be visible in full daylight conditions.

What is the difference between the lumens output and the image lux level?

The light source output is measured in lumens – this is fixed and constant. This light output is then passed through the optic and projected onto the image surface; the image lux level is the brightness of the projected image and will vary according to the optic used and the distance of projection.

What variety of design can I consider?

There are 2 main types used – single images and built-up images. Built-up images are used where the overall size exceeds what is possible with one projector and multiple projectors are used – they are set up so the images overlap and form one large image. When a built-up image is used, it is necessary to mount the projectors in the same axis, as this allows us to map the images so they align correctly. It is also important to note the overlap will be visible in some designs.

Are there size limitations for the projected images?

There are limitations per image, these vary according to the different powers and optics used; however, there is no limitation when using multiple projectors.

Can you make an exact size?

We cannot guarantee the exact size of the image, due to limitations in manufacturing; however, we can get close, working to a maximum variation of +/- 10%

Why use different power light sources and optics?

The key variables to consider in any situation are 1] the ambient light level measured at the surface where the image will be projected & 2] how far the image is being projected, ie the measurement between the projector and the surface. If the ambient light level and/or projection distance is higher, it is necessary to use a higher-power light source and optic, to compensate. The end result we are always looking is a bright & clear image in every situation – we cannot do this without a wide range of combinations to choose from.

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